60 healthy participants were randomized into infraspinatus, erector spinae, or gastrocnemius groups. One session of dry needling DN was applied to the muscle in standardized location. Stiffness was assessed using a MyotonPRO at baseline, immediately post DN, and 24 hours later. The presence of a localized twitch response (LTR) during DN was used to subgroup participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• men and women ages 18 to 65 years
• reported good general health
• tenderness or palpable trigger point in the muscle (infraspinatus, gastrocnemius, or erector spinae)

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI > 30kg/m2
• surgery in the prior 12 months
• current pain in the shoulder, low back, and lower leg
• precautions to dry needling treatment (anticoagulant medications, bleeding disorders, known pregnancy)

Data will not be shared